Which doctor treats diverticulitis

Getting regular exercise, staying at a healthy weight, and eating a high-fiber diet or taking fiber supplements may reduce your risk of problems. Myth had it that nuts, seeds and popcorn were bad and should be avoided.

This has never been shown to be true — in fact, those foods are good sources of fiber. The Portland Clinic. Find a Doctor. Kelley, M. David W. Larson, M. Kellie L. Mathis, M. Victor F. Trastek, M. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Related Diverticulosis and diverticulitis. Associated Procedures Colectomy CT scan. Clinical trials that are currently open and are recruiting can be viewed at www. The NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings through its clearinghouses and education programs to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public.

Diverticulitis Diverticulosis is a condition that occurs when small pouches, or sacs, form and push outward through weak spots in the wall of your colon. Diverticular bleeding Diverticular bleeding occurs when a small blood vessel within the wall of a pouch, or diverticulum, bursts. Diverticulitis Diverticulitis occurs when you have diverticulosis and one or a few of the pouches in the wall of your colon become inflamed. Diverticulosis and diverticulitis What are the complications of diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis can come on suddenly and cause other problems, such as the following: Abscess An abscess is a painful, swollen, infected, and pus-filled area just outside your colon wall that may make you ill with nausea , vomiting , fever, and severe tenderness in your abdomen. Perforation A perforation is a small tear or hole in a pouch in your colon. Peritonitis Peritonitis is inflammation or infection of the lining of your abdomen.

Fistula A fistula is an abnormal passage, or tunnel, between two organs or between an organ and the outside of your body. Intestinal obstruction An intestinal obstruction is a partial or total blockage of the movement of food or stool through your intestines. How common are diverticulosis and diverticulitis?

People are more likely to develop diverticulosis and diverticulitis as they age. What are the symptoms of diverticular bleeding? What are the symptoms of diverticulitis? Diverticulitis may also cause constipation or diarrhea fevers and chills nausea or vomiting What causes diverticulosis and diverticulitis?

Fiber For more than 50 years, experts thought that following a low- fiber diet led to diverticulosis. Genes Some studies suggest that genes may make some people more likely to develop diverticulosis and diverticulitis. Other factors Studies have found links between diverticular disease—diverticulosis that causes symptoms or problems such as diverticular bleeding or diverticulitis—and the following factors: certain medicines—including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs External NIH Link NSAIDs , such as aspirin External NIH Link , and steroids External NIH Link lack of exercise obesity smoking Diverticulitis may begin when bacteria or stool get caught in a pouch in your colon.

Medical history Your doctor will ask about your medical history, including your bowel movement patterns diet health medicines symptoms Physical exam Your doctor will perform a physical exam, which may include a digital rectal exam. What tests do doctors use to diagnose diverticulosis and diverticulitis? Your doctor may use the following tests to help diagnose diverticulosis and diverticulitis: Blood test A health care professional may take a blood sample from you and send the sample to a lab to test for inflammation or anemia.

Lower GI series A lower GI series , also called a barium enema, is a procedure in which a doctor uses x-rays and a chalky liquid called barium to view your large intestine. Colonoscopy Colonoscopy is a procedure in which a doctor uses a long, flexible, narrow tube with a light and tiny camera on one end, called a colonoscope or endoscope, to look inside your rectum and colon. High-fiber diet Although a high- fiber diet may not prevent diverticulosis, it may help prevent symptoms or problems in people who already have diverticulosis.

Fiber supplements Your doctor may suggest you take a fiber product such as methylcellulose Citrucel or psyllium Metamucil one to three times a day. Medicines Some studies suggest that mesalazine External NIH Link Asacol taken every day or in cycles may help reduce symptoms that may occur with diverticulosis, such as pain in your abdomen or bloating.

Probiotics Some studies show that probiotics External NIH Link may help with diverticulosis symptoms and may help prevent diverticulitis. How do doctors treat diverticular bleeding? Colon resection If your bleeding does not stop, a surgeon may perform abdominal surgery with a colon resection. How do doctors treat diverticulitis? The mixture contains carbohydrates proteins fats vitamins minerals Severe cases of diverticulitis will likely require a hospital stay. How do doctors treat complications of diverticulitis?

Your doctor may recommend the following to treat complications of diverticulitis: Abscess Your doctor may need to drain an abscess if it is large or does not clear up with antibiotics. Peritonitis Peritonitis requires immediate surgery to clean your abdominal cavity. Should I avoid certain foods if I have diverticulosis or diverticulitis? What are clinical trials and are they right for you? This information is not copyrighted. Request an Appointment.

Refer a Patient. Center for Colorectal Surgery. Multi-Lingual Driving Directions. Clinical Team Madhulika Varma, M. Colorectal Surgeon Hueylan Chern, M. Colorectal Surgeon Emily Finlayson, M. By using our site, you accept our digital privacy statement. Read our updated information about wearing a mask for your visit , and our visitor policy. NYU Langone specialists have extensive experience diagnosing and treating people with diverticular disease, in which small pouches, called diverticula, form on the wall of the colon.

The term diverticular disease refers to the development of diverticula, a condition known as diverticulosis, as well as its complications. The formation of diverticula can lead to weakness and perforations in nearby blood vessels, causing bleeding. Tiny perforations in the pouches may also lead to an infection, called diverticulitis.

Our team of experts includes gastroenterologists, gastrointestinal surgeons, interventional radiologists, nutritionists, and, if needed, specialists who can provide intensive care. They collaborate to manage all aspects of diverticular disease and recommend treatment based on your symptoms and the results of diagnostic tests.

For people who need surgery, our doctors offer the most advanced, minimally invasive procedures. NYU Langone was the first hospital in New York to use the newest robotic equipment in colorectal surgery. Our specialists also provide ongoing care to prevent the condition from recurring.

Treatment of diverticular disease depends on the severity of your symptoms. Many people can be treated with medication and dietary changes; others require hospitalization.

For severe diverticular disease, surgery may be necessary. Our surgeons perform minimally invasive procedures, such as laparoscopy and robot-assisted laparoscopy. We can help you find a doctor.